Judge kills Anne Arundel slots referendum

Opponents of a proposed slots casino at a suburban Maryland mall lost a battle when a judge ruled that their effort to block the gaming site through a public vote on the matter was not legal.

Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Judge Ronald Silkworth ruled Friday that a zoning ordinance enacted by the county to allow the facility is not subject to a referendum.

Baltimore-based Cordish Cos. had sued the Anne Arundel County elections board, saying it overlooked fraud in a petition drive to put the issue before voters.

Alan Rifkin, attorney for two citizens group opposed to the mall slots and the Maryland Jockey Club, said he plans to appeal the decision.

Rifkin said he respects the court's order but "zoning and planning ordinances have always been subject to referendum."

"When the people voted in 2008 to allow slots facilities they did so with a clear understanding that those facilities were subject to all planning and zoning laws. There has been no appropriation of any revenue from a slots facility yet. ... We are confident that, on appeal, [the referendum] will be approved for the ballot."

I was against slots anywhere in Maryland because I felt what is presently occurring would come true. The way the proposed slots zone in Anne Arundel County was bogus to begin with due to the fact that the Northern Portion of Anne Arundel County is less than 3 miles from the proposed Baltimore City Site. As for everyone who wants slots at Arundel Mills, I also hope that you want them in your area because if a slots parlor is up and running at Arundel Mills, given the bad economic situation in every county, I am willing to bet that slots will expand in your area.